This On Demand was recorded at the Family Law Conference on 26 September 2024.
In this session, their Honours Family Court Associates Singh and Tolich will introduce themselves and their role. They will provide insights into what their involvement in cases looks like, and how counsel can best assist them in their role.
Mr Tolich started his working career in 1980 at McElroy Duncan and Prebble and left in 1983 to undertake post-graduate studies at Oxford University. He returned to New Zealand in 1986 and joined Rice Craig in Papakura as a solicitor and later partner, remaining with that firm until 2008. In 2009 he joined Corban Revell as a consultant and continues to hold that position. Prior to his appointment as FCA, he worked primarily in the Family Court, including conducting Mediations, Senior Lawyer for the Child and Lawyer for Subject Persons work in most Courts in the Auckland area.
Mr Tolich was appointed to take up the role on 2 April 2024, based in Auckland Family Court with a secondary court responsibility in Palmerston North Family Court.
Sonya is a barrister from Halcyon Chambers who acts for children, parents and caregivers from diverse cultural backgrounds in Oranga Tamariki, COCA and FV proceedings. As a practitioner on the mental health roster and adjudicator with the Tenancy Tribunal, Sonya has experience in dealing with people's personal struggles and helping them navigate these difficulties. Sonya has trained social workers from her time practicing in OT and continues to train social workers, community workers and educators with NGOs. Sonya assists with work for the FLS advisory panel and is a member of the ADLS Family and Mental Health Committee.
Sonya hopes to de-mystify ideas about what lawyers for children can do and provide a practical guide for lawyers starting out in the Family Law space.
Ticket Price
Member: $57 GST
Non-Member: $80 GST